What to do after a car accident in California.

1. Put people before vehicle photos.

Stop after a collision. Move only when it is safe, and contact emergency services for injuries or immediate danger. Follow instructions from responding authorities.

Do not step into traffic to photograph a bumper or test-drive a damaged car to find out whether it is safe. Photos can wait; an online review cannot establish roadworthiness.

2. Keep the accident record separate from estimate photos.

Exchange driver, vehicle and insurance information and collect witness details when possible. Photograph the scene and damage only from a safe position. Keep these records for your insurer and any required reports.

For Restart Collision's estimate form, send damage photos rather than photos of driver's licenses, insurance cards or people. A broad view identifies the panel; a close view shows the mark. You can describe the incident in the form without uploading personal documents.

• Keep a note of the date, location and what you observed.
• Save any report or incident number provided by authorities.
• Keep tow receipts and the location of the vehicle with your records.

3. Check reporting duties and contact your insurer.

California DMV says an SR-1 report is due within 10 days when anyone is injured or killed, or property damage is over $1,000. It is separate from reports to police or your insurer. Check the current DMV instructions linked below; do not wait for a repair estimate to check whether you must report.

Notify your insurer promptly and ask what information it needs. Keep the claim number and adjuster's contact information. Filing a claim, obtaining a repair estimate and authorizing repair work are different steps.

4. Confirm where the vehicle will go.

When the car cannot safely be driven, contact your insurer or roadside-assistance provider about transport. Ask about the destination, charges, storage and who will accept the vehicle before agreeing to arrangements.

Restart Collision does not provide towing or publish a walk-in drop-off address. Sending an estimate request does not confirm a receiving shop or permission to transport the vehicle.

5. Start the repair discussion with what changed.

When it is safe, send the year, make and model with original photos of the affected areas. Mention whether the car is drivable and describe any changed gaps, noises or operation without trying to diagnose them.

Restart Collision reviews inquiries manually. Photos help explain visible damage; concealed damage, repair scope and final price may need an inspection. The request does not book an appointment or authorize repairs.